Galena

specimen number:
8311183

location:
Viburnum Trend, Missouri, USA

description:
Semi lustrous cube octahedral crystals of galena to almost 2.0 cm in size on matrix. In good condition.

The Viburnum Trend in southeastern Missouri is one of the most important lead mining regions in the United States and represents a major expansion of the older Southeast Missouri Lead District. Exploration in the area began in the 1950s, leading to the discovery of large, previously unknown lead deposits hosted in Cambrian age dolomite. Development accelerated in the 1960s with the opening of several major underground mines, transforming the region into a leading producer of lead, as well as significant amounts of zinc, copper, and silver as byproducts. The deposits are classified as Mississippi Valley type, formed by the movement of metal rich fluids through carbonate rocks. Modern mining methods and large scale processing facilities have allowed the Viburnum Trend to remain productive for decades, and it continues to be a key contributor to domestic metal production.

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